I’ve made some shoes!!! This is my first foray into “proper” footwear. Yeah, I made slippers recently, but I’m not counting those. And technically these are slides, which are pretty basic things on the shoe scale, really.
But still. They are real shoes! Wooooooooooooooo!
ok, I’m sorry, calming down now. I’m just a bit excited about them 🙂
So, for ages I’ve dreamt longingly about having a go at making my own shoes. However cool stuff like shoe-making courses are just not on offer here in Perth. Well that’s just that and it can’t be helped, but life is too short to not do stuff that you really want to do, right? so I just decided to GO FOR IT! havva go, just DO it, whatever, even without a teacher or the tools or even the faintest idea of what I was doing.
The choice of denim; well every time, and I mean every time my friend J and I go out on girly shopping trips, as we head into our favourite shoe stores I say for the eleventy-billionth time; “ooh, I really would like a pair of denim- or denim-coloured shoes.” I’ve often though they would be sooooo useful and would go with a lot of my wardrobe. I mean, we all know denim jeans go with everything, right? So, it stands to reason, denim shoes should go with everything too. And; quick aside; honestly, why has that thought not occurred to shoe-makers yet? Because so far my search for denim-y shoes has been one big, long, mournful FAIL. It’s sad, but they are a non-existent beast. Or should that be a pair of non-existent beasts, maybe? I still wanted them though.
And now I have some!
Now; before I introduce my procedure for making these, obviously I am no expert and I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m making it up as I go along with educated guesses, and I don’t have the proper equipment, like lasts or an industrial sewing machine. I’m sure shoe-making experts would look at my efforts here and roll about, laughing helplessly at how awful they are. It’s true, they are far from perfect. Hopefully I can improve!
For the bases I used two balsa wood blocks from Bunnings; chosen mainly because I spotted them and it seemed like a good idea at the time. I drew a template of each of my feet, overlaid/combined them to draw a single “master” template. I used a coping saw to cut out the main chunks and get the right shape; and then three sheets of sandpaper to smooth and contour, ranging from super rough to light. I used the roughest sandpaper to do most of the contouring for my foot pads and heel pads to sit in the base nice and snug and comfortable.
Shaping/contouring the wooden bases to be equal-sized and -shaped mirror images to each other and to fit my feet was the MOST time consuming part of the whole thing. Really, ten progress photos slotted in here would be a fair and accurate representation of this step rather than just one; but that would be extremely boring, so just a few then…
I used an pair of old jeans for the denim.
I cut long strips for the side coverings, and topstitched the ends down using orange thread, to match the orange thread usually used in jeans topstitching. Glued it in place using PVA exterior wood glue. I chose this glue because it was not too quick-drying therefore easy to work with, and yet is still super hardwearing and durable and dries to a hard, water-resistant finish. Not waterproof, mind you. NOT that I’m planning to wear my shoes to slosh about in puddles or anything like that, aiyiyi perish the thought!
Clipped the curves etc, to minimise overlapping, so the edges would lie as flat as possible; and glued them down, upper and under.
Made a template for the top bits via the auditioning of a thousand “muslins”; well, not really, but it felt like it. The winning design was cut so as to make a feature of the existing jeans’ side seam with the allowances double top-stitched down in that distinctive shade of Levi’s orange. The tops are double layered; lined with plain denim, sewn right sides together then turned out and under-stitched. The excess at the sides was trimmed to wrap right around underneath my foot then glued in place.
I made a padded insert by trimming a purchased foam shoe insert from Coles to fit, then stitching to a piece of denim around the edge using orange thread. The ends were clipped, turned under and everything glued in place.
Finally, I cut thick rubber floor matting (Bunnings) to fit the soles using a stanley knife, and glued this in place. This will be quite hard-wearing and will stand up to a lot of knocks, hopefully.
Making these was an interesting experiment, and a learning exercise in how not to do a few things. Yes, a second pair of shoes is in the pipeline already. My second pair will definitely be better, I think. My first mistake; balsa wood does not hold nails, thus the need for lots of glue. I’m definitely going for harder wood and nails in the future.
The big question for me is: am I going to dare to actually wear my shoes? outdoors? like, for a full day? well today I almost did since I was meeting my same friend J for lunch, and I thought they went really nicely with my outfit… but then I chickened out! Too many puddles around from the recent rain :S
Maybe I’ll just keep them exclusively for me-made May, haha! 😉
No, of course I’ll wear them, but it’s going to be hard to avoid babying them. I’m ridiculously pleased with them. Well so far, until I can make something better anyway!
Wow, I'm so impressed that you even had a go at this. How cute are they? I hope you get a chance to wear them outside the house soon.I'm sure you'll turn a few heads!
I agree, denim shoes are so useful and this has been a real adventure. Fantastic process and may you make many more!
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN'T DO?!?!?!?
I am totally amazed. When I saw the wood blocks I thought, No, it's not possible that she made her own forms! Carolyn, this is so fun!
Wow! Very impressive Carolyn!!!
I am so impressed with your shoe making – simple but adventurous. I can't wait to see and hear about how these wear in the future.
yes that has been a wish of mine forever, making my own shoes. I have seen a course once in a while here in Calif. but never taken the plunge. Perhaps we need to plan one of those once in a lifetime study trips to Florence to study with a master cobbler. wouldn't that be a dream! You got some great results and I can imagine some in leather. Rather like clogs maybe, with the tiny nails holding the tops onto the wood bottoms. Can't wait to see your next ones.
They are terrific!
I can't get over how great they look and it's unbelievable you didn't even have a book or a pattern to go by.
I think a denim pair with some type of tan suede under your feet would look great (but that's a classic combo around here when hunting season starts – think field jackets – and may not actually be fashionable).
I was already impressed with your dusting slippers, but these are a huge leap forward! Very impressive, and cute, too!
I think they're amazing! A few years ago, I had some denim tennis shoes, but they were the only denim shoes I remember seeing. I need to try and make myself some because I have trouble finding the shoes I want.
Impressive! And very cute.
I wouldn't have thought of balsa wood in a million years. You really do have a strong creative urge, given the effort you're prepared to put into your creations. I attended a shoe making course one weekend in London and made some mules. http://shelleyshouse.blogspot.co.uk/2009/04/shoes-by-shelley.html I wouldn't say they were particularly comfortable, however, and like you I'm not prepared to risk getting them wet, etc, which in my case makes the hundreds of pounds I paid for the workshop rather a waste. The company that I did the workshop with does courses in Melbourne I see http://www.prescottandmackay.co.uk/course-information/course-locations. Perhaps you might splash out and see how that goes? Not sure pursuing your own ideas might not be just as rewarding, your slides do look very comfortable.
thanks Shelley! and yes there are several shoe-making courses offered in Melbourne. They tend to run to the thousands so I just don't think I can justify that really; much as I would love to!
And I live a long way away from Melbourne too 🙂
These look great! You are so creative, it's amazing!
Fabulous! I'd love to have a go too, but not sure I'm brave enough!
Just fabulous !! They are so pretty…. I really love all you do.
Really? Am I seeing this right? You made shoes? you wonderful, creative lady…. oh don't get me started. XXXXXXX
Someone's already said this: what the heck can you not make lady?! Totally amazing work. Are they comfortable?
Now THAT is cool! Love them!
So cool – and you made the seams on the top left/right. Very high-end.
Carolyn, pioneer of the diy-wardrobe in the blogosphere!
thank you Catdoesit! but I am not the first nor the only one, I'm sure 🙂
I'm impressed with your new slides 🙂 It will be interesting to see if they are comfortable. I had some wooden soled clogs I had to give away, they were so hard, but I am wondering if yours might actually be more comfortable, as they are shaped to your feet. (P.S. Denim shoes are available in the UK!!)
Is there anything you are not willing to try. The sanding sounds time consuming but they look so cool.
wow!! – now of course, I need a pair of denim ballet slippers for spring 😉 I'll continue to admire yours from afar – and look forward to seeing a pair of polished wooden soles on your next amazing pair – another whole new world has just opened up!
You did it! I distinctly remember you mentioning the Vancouverite blogger who made her whole wardrobe, including shoes, for a year as an experiment. I believe you also said you'd like to experiment with making shoes yourself, right?
Your creativity and resourcefulness amaze me and inspire me everyday! Congratulations!
Please do let us know how comfortable they are and how it wears.
Thank you Erica! and yes, that is Natalie Purschwitz in her Makeshift project, she is such an inspirational lady! I was a bit sad that I only found her blog when she had already finished the project because I loved her aesthetic.
WTG girly! Denim shoes how fantastic, your so very clever figuring out how to make those!!!
You are amazing and love a challenge, love them and will be interested to know how they wear.
Amazing work, and adorable shoes! You are always an inspiration.
Great idea – sculpting your own soles was inspirational. I wonder what you will think up for flexible soled shoes??
They really do look lovely as well 🙂
I think you did a really good job! I have always wanted to make my own shoes. I even bought a book off Amazon about how to do it. It was very interesting as it explained all the different layers that are involved and their purposes. Like you, I don't have access to an industrial sewing machine, but I thought about designing them and then taking it all to a shoe repairman to put together. That's all you would need, I think, an industrial sewing machine that would enable you to sew them together. Carolyn, you are so fearless, and I really admire that.
These are fantastic! I might have to have a go!
Frankie
http://www.knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
Oh my goodness Carolyn. You are unbelievable. I love how you've used the denim seam. It looks great.
Carolyn, these are seriously cool! Kudos, you waded in and did such a great job. You're an inspiration! Chris
Words fail me. On a serious note Hasbeens have a denim coloured clog sandal but I don't think it's fabric….. Promise me you will meet your friend wearing them one day!
Just amazing Carolyn! I've been so inspired in the short time I've been following your blog. Shoes….OMG. Words fail me too.
Amazing! You are taking me-made to a whole new level! Really inspiring
Stop the presses! You made shoes?! I am just so, so impressed. For the record, I would not have been bored with those 10 progress shots of your wood carving. But, needless to say, you've earned more than enough bragging rights without 'em.
What an interesting process! Is there nothing you will not create? 🙂
Awesome!
You are amazing!!!
I'm awed! Completely awed. You so totally do all the things I want to do but have been too chicken to do. WOW!!!
They're very groovy. I like! And I agree with the reasoning about denim shoes going with everything in the way denim jeans do too.
There's actually a shoe-making workshop available through our craft council. I'm surprised there isn't anything in Perth, but then often Darwin has surprising random things available here that you wouldn't think of.
Hey you could just keep going with this shoemaking and end up holding your own course 😀
As usual Caroline – I dream it, you do it.
Had you considered espadrille bases? There a places online which show you how to make the, but it does seem to be a matter of trace foot and coil rope to fit, stitching as you go. Then sew on upper. How hard could it be?? (A: um, very).
Here's one link I found just now but there are heaps if you google. http://ofdreamsandseams.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/how-to-make-lined-espadrilles-full.html
And now to find some jute.
Gaby
thanks Gabby! and that does sound like a really good alternative way to do it. I'm going to try and find some jute too 🙂
Wow what an effort! The is no end to your talents. In the late 70s one of my cousins had a pair of sky high cork soled denim wedge sandals, I thought they were the coolest shoes ever.
thanks Fashionista! they do sound very cool 🙂 Actually it's funny that you should mention that, I searched for large blocks of cork as my first choice for a shoe base! Unsuccessfully 🙁
Great looking shoes, what a great effort and I do agree denim shoes would be a good neutra, go with anything shoe
That's so cool! I'm really impressed. I looked into shoe making but quit due to not having a clue. Way to power through a find a way 🙂
Wow, you are truly amazing!
Wow. You really did make your own wood heels. I'm dead impressed! So cool! 😀
I actually owned some denim-colored slip-on plateau-heel Buffalo shoes once, in the early 2000s. I wore them to death over one summer, because I didn't believe in wearing socks with slip-ons… 😉
Your shoes are so cool, you're amazing!
Whilst reading about your sole shaping, I was reminded of of how my husband shapes the seat on wooden chairs and stools, there is a very nifty tool called a scorp that does this relatively quickly, even on hardwoods. Maybe you know about it already but were trying the sanding because that was what was in the house? I googled it and found this one http://www.finewoodworking.com/tool-guide/product-finder/barr-specialty-tools-scorp.aspx, but we have some double handled ones that I find easier to use (I get to try these tools when someone is particularly enthusiastic about how clever they are), and my husband bought all his at junk/antique shops/markets and they were not nearly so expensive! There are smaller ones for spoons and things that might be even better? A bit like having the right foot for a particular stitch really 😉
I had to google it (blush) and that's a brilliant suggestion, thank you so much kbenco! Yes, indeed a scorp would be just the thing 🙂
For some other inspiration (besides Swedish Hasbeens), check out Svens Clogs and Nina Z Clogs. I have a pair of Hasbeens which actually are pretty comfortable. For a lot of walking, my feet do get tired because there is only a small amount of rubber on the bottom and no insole. I have ElNaturalistas like these ones (Yggdrasil Wood) [http://www.elnaturalista.com/en/woman/n167-bumpy-brown-mixed-yggdrasil-wood.html] and they are more comfortable as they do have an insole although mine are looking dirty after a year of wear. They also have a rubber insert in the base to bend easier. I am not sure what type of wood that these companies use for the base but they might say somewhere on their sites.
Enjoy your beautiful denim slides!
Thanks so much for the helpful suggestions! I am researching what to do next. I have a MASSIVE newfound respect for real cobblers 🙂
dude, this is SOOOO COOOL!!!! I would be ridiculously proud of myself if i were you – not only did you make SHOES, but they're pretty freaking fab – amazing job!! ^__^
So cool indeed! I love that you actually carved the base. You would enjoy the alleyways around the Dongdaemun market in Seoul, Korea which had all manner of shoe making equipment. My husband wouldn't let me buy anything – my fabric habit was enough!
thats just wonnnnnderfullll! I love it!
and you are so brave to go and just make it!
I have a book I found a few years ago which tells you the way to make shoes from a model you already have and approve. It's really beginners thing but maybe it can lead you somewhere:
http://www.amazon.com/Make-Your-Shoes-Wales-Loomis/dp/9993983128/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410212055&sr=8-1&keywords=how+make+your+own+shoes
I never tried it, though. but I am sure if you do it will be brilliant!
and I love the idea of denim, it sure should turn out veeery comfortable.
LOVE it! *applause!
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